BROOKSIDE is to be axed from its prime-time midweek slots it was announced this afternoon (Thursday, October 10).

The Liverpool soap, created by Phil Redmond (pictured) currently running three times a week, will be shunted to a single 90 minute episode on Saturday afternoons.

The shock decision, made after a series of behind-closed-doors meetings at Channel 4, was announced in the wake of tumbling viewing figures.

The programme is currently outside Channel 4's own top ten shows.

The first Saturday show will go out on November 30.

Brookside is made for Channel 4 by Phil Redmond and Mersey Television in Liverpool.

Cast and workers at Childwall-based Mersey TV are said to be devastated by the decision and there are fears of job losses.

Channel 4 today insisted the show still had a future.

But a Brookside insider said: "The feeling is that it is the final call for Brookside, people are worried that it is the end of the road for the show."

Mark Thompson, Channel 4 Chief Executive, said: "Peak-time has changed radically across British TV and is no longer an environment in which Brookside can thrive. We want to explore new ideas in peak, while still giving Brookside regulars a chance to enjoy the show over the next year."

"Contractually we are committed to the programme until the end of 2003, but we have, of course, begun to discuss the future of the programme with Phil," said Thompson.

Phil Redmond, Brookside's creator and executive producer, added: "I accept that 2003 is likely to be the last year of Brookside in its present form. Mersey Television and Channel 4 will review the programme's future early next year."

Only last week he had spoken about how he was looking forward to the future with Channel 4, saying the contract with them was launched a couple of months ago.

He was adamant that Brookside has never been in better shape than it is now.

"When you think of what we have tackled and how we tackled it it is clear we always set the agenda.

"Brookside has grown up. It has matured and the viewers have grown up with it.

"We lost our way - most soaps do at times. But I am proud of the way we have survived. "

Speaking last week Redmond said he would like the show to move to a late night slot.

"I'd like a 10pm timeslot.

"That would allow us to do more of the things we want to do.

"If I was pitching Brookside now in 2002 to Channel 4 I would pitch it for a 10pm slot."